Daredevil, Volume 1: Know Fear Review (Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checchetto)

Still recovering from injuries, Matt Murdock’s not in the best shape, but Daredevil needs to be seen patrolling Hell’s Kitchen so he pushes through the pain and forces himself out. Which leads to Matt making a mistake he can’t take back: in stopping a robbery by three guys, he accidentally causes fatal head trauma to one of the robbers. Daredevil is officially a killer. Is it time for Matt to finally walk away from the vigilante life?

Chip Zdarsky’s first Daredevil book isn’t as impressive as I’d heard. The premise is an intriguing one but Zdarsky isn’t a talented enough writer to explore it deeply so alls we get is Matt doing the things you’d expect to see to show he’s feeling bad: going to confession, drinking, sitting in shadows looking moody. Nor does that treatment make for a gripping read. I mean, if there’s one Marvel character who we’ve seen enough of moping around being emo, it’s Matt “Catholic guilt/all my girlfriends are dead” Murdock.

There’s a new detective from Chicago, Cole North, who also boxes in his spare time, who isn’t impressed with the NYPD’s laissez-faire approach to Daredevil and makes it his job to bring him in for unsanctioned vigilantism, not least for murder one. All that means is that he’s someone for Matt to box in the streets and be a match for given his current weakened state.

Marco Checchetto’s art is definitely the best part of the book. The characters look cool, you can feel the intensity of the fight scenes, and the framing throughout makes for some dramatic visuals - despite the book taking place in NYC the whole time, Checchetto finds fresh ways to keep the urban scenery looking exciting.

It’s not that Zdarsky’s script is totally without merit - it has some moments that keep you guessing, like when North arrests Matt, or the various surprise cameos from Daredevil’s fellow superhero mates, and I’m glad there wasn’t a cop out on the premise. It’s just that it’s not that interesting a story overall. And it doesn’t help that Zdarsky overwrites nearly every page by half.

Strong art a good comic does not make however, and unfortunately Daredevil, Volume 1: Know Fear is an easy-to-put-down and forgettable outing for the Man from Del Monte Without Fear.